Snakes & Hinduism

The Festival Of Snakes: Nag Panchami

Snakes represent Kundalini Shakti in Hinduism. Also, a snake is the ornament of Lord Shiva depicting the uncontrolled desires of a human being. Hence, the snakes are very auspicious and pious for Hindus. That is why a day is dedicated to them, known as Nag Panchami.

Nag Panchami is a festival dedicated to snakes. People worship snakes on this day. Today, that is, 11th of August is the day of Nag Panchami, as per Hindu lunar calendar. If you wish to know everything about Nag Panchami, please click here - Nag Panchami In 2013

On the day of Nag Panchami, the God of the Snakes - ‘Naag Devta’ is worshipped by the devotees.

Nag Panchami Mythology

Snakes can be found everywhere in Hindu mythology. Even Lord Vishnu sleeps over the thousand headed snake. This snake is so strong that it can hold the Earth.

There is a famous story. A farmer once killed some snaked while tilling his land. So, the snakes took revenge by biting all the family members except his daughter. It is because she used to worship snakes.

Tilling is prohibited on the day of Nag Panchami. It is believed that snakes are worshipped because of the natural fear of humans for snakes.

The Holy book Matsya Purana explains the look of Shiva and tells that the Lord should be garlanded with snakes. However, in modern days, the images of Lord Shiva are coming with only one snake around the neck. Another image that is of Shivalinga with 5 headed snake over it is very common. Puranas and various other Holy scriptures of Hindus depict the importance of snakes and their connection with Lord Shiva.

Indeed this stuff sounds quite interesting. If you wish to become a part of the snake festival, then click here - About Nag Panchami

With this small piece, we wish you a very Happy Nag Panchami 2013! May God of Snakes bless you!